John Allen Beal

Northview~North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 388-2288 John Allen Beal, of North Mankato, MN is free at last; no more wheelchair, no more ventilators, no more physical limitations or medical issues, no more struggling for every breath, and no more nursing scheduling worries. John left this world peacefully, with his wife Sally at his bedside, and went to his eternal home to be with His Almighty God and Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Mankato. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato on May 15, 2015 at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will be held at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary on May 14, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and for one hour at the church prior to the celebration of John's life. John was born on December 15, 1948 in Mankato, MN to Cyrilla Rose (Zwaschka) and William Clifford Beal. John and Sally (Miller) Beal were united in marriage on January 22, 1972. John is survived by his mother, Cyrilla, of Mankato, wife, Sally, of North Mankato, and brothers: Robert (Susan) Beal of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and their children Angelyn Solko (Nick Saari) and their children Loren and McKenna, Derk Solko, Adam Beal; and Daniel Beal (Jodi Newsom) of Minneapolis, MN and Dan's children; Katie (Erick) Bengtson and their son Cael; and Sara (Anthony) Florschutz and their children Anastazia, and Elizabeth. Sisters-in-law: Mary (Dean) Wrucke of Daytona Beach, FL, Peggy (George) Johannsen of St. Clair, MN, Barb (John) Hanson, Terri (Dennis) Wasinger, and Julie (Tom) Hiniker, all of Mankato, Rita (Leon) Ulferts of Brooklyn Park, MN, Gerri (Kevin) Hermanson of Kasota, MN, and Donna Baker of Heber City, Utah, and Brothers-in-law: Leonard Thomas (Joey) Miller, and Anthony (Becky) Miller of Mankato, Edward (Sandy) Miller of Elysian, MN, and Dennis Miller of Cleveland, MN; many nephews and nieces each of whom John had a special connection and loved; and many great nephews and nieces. John was preceded in death by his father, Bill, who died on John's birthday in 1977, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. John learned to play the organ at a young age and took lessons until his instructor said he had advanced beyond her ability to teach him anything new. He was involved in the technical direction of, and also had a small part in a movie filmed in Mankato in 1965, "Man on a Mission." John attended Loyola High School but finished his senior year and graduated from Mankato High School in 1968, and then attended classes at Mankato State. He worked at KEYC TV as well as KMSU and KYSM Radio. In the late 1960's, when the Vikings came to Mankato for summer camp, he filmed their practices which were used for training purposes to improve plays. John was also a booking agent for local rock bands at venues around the area. From 1969 to 1970, John worked at ADC in St. Peter, until it was discovered that he had a rare bone disease (Gorham's or "Disappearing Bone" -Disease). Because of that, John underwent surgery at the age of 21, which left his lower body paralyzed, and he lived the remainder of his life in his wheelchair or in bed. John and Sally were married at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, MN. While John was a patient in the hospital, the Free Press published an article in November of 1971 about how "he finds his strength and ability to remain happy through Christ." John enjoyed life and people and learning, and never complained about his own problems, in spite of his medical situation or limitations. Obtaining a Ham Radio License at the onset of his paralysis opened up his sphere of connection and allowed John (WB0LOR) to communicate with people all over the world even though confined to his bed. After his paralysis, he volunteered for Birthright for many years. Until his death, John was an officer and treasurer for the homeowner's association in which he lived. He was a long-time member of Crossview Covenant Church and lived out his faith with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Life from the wheelchair and bed took its toll on John's back and lungs, and in 2006 he needed a tracheostomy and ventilator to improve his breathing. Life became progressively more difficult for John at that point, but that didn't change his positive outlook on life or his resilient nature and determination. Thanks to many wonderful skilled and caring nurses, John was allowed the pleasure of living at home and making the best use of his days during the 9 years to follow. John's laptop computer allowed him to stay connected to life outside his ever-shrinking world. John had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and was the go-to person for many people over the years. Many nephews, nieces and neighborhood kids would come to John for help on their homework, especially math. Kids loved to hang out with John; we figured it was because he took time for them and he was at their level because of the wheelchair, and could "look them in the eyes." He loved times spent with family and friends, and enjoyed the comfort of his two cats, GrayDee and Bixler. Every Beal gathering would produce memories and stories that continued to get better with time! With an insatiable quest for learning, John's quick sense of humor, wit and wisdom had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease. He chose to spend his time and energy on the important things of life, always looking at the bright side and assuming the best. Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation to World Vision or the Salvation Army. When you think of John, please thank God for the impact he made on many lives. Then go and do an unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness for a stranger or someone who is down and out; be patient, understanding, and forgiving with your family and loved ones; and instead of dwelling on your limitations, be determined to make the best of your situation and what you have, just as John would have done. Also, allow yourself time to learn about an interesting topic and enjoy John's favorite, Pagliai's pizza, in his memory.